A man who punched another, knocking him unconscious while out in the centre of Huddersfield, has been given a 12 month community order.

Simon Haring, prosecuting, told Leeds Crown Court yesterday that Eugene Heagney was walking with another male at around 1am in the pedestrianised area of King Street on June 29 when he was seen on CCTV to go towards another group crossing nearby.

He then punched Paul Stephenson once to his jaw as well as catching Shelley Lowbridge who was with him on the face as his one blow followed through.

Mr Stephenson was on the ground and appeared unconscious as others gathered round him. Heagney walked off but officers were quickly on the scene and arrested him.

Mr Haring said at the time Heagney was under a suspended sentence imposed in April last year for burglary at a house in Westwood Court, Middleton, Leeds.

Witnesses had called police after seeing three men breaking into the property which was found to have been used as a cannabis farm. Heagney was one of those men who had stolen some of the cannabis.

Ian Brook representing Heagney said he had some boxing training and had not intended the harm which followed one reckless punch, particularly to the woman.

He was also very near the end of the suspended sentence which had now expired.

Heagney, 31 of Moorbottom Road, Thornton Lodge, admitted two charges of common assault and was given a 12 month community order with 100 hours unpaid work and ordered to pay £250 compensation.

Judge Christopher Batty said it was public violence which left a man unconscious but it was for a different type of offence to the previously suspended sentence.